Facebook is an online social media company based in Menlo Park, Calif. It was launched in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes, who were Harvard College students at the time. The website was originally open only to Harvard students, but the team gradually expanded membership to students from Boston-area schools, Ivy League schools, and Stanford, followed by all universities and high schools. In 2006, the website was opened to anyone over 13. In 2012, the company held its initial public offering (IPO), reaching a record peak market capitalization of $104 billion. Facebook can be accessed via desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Users can create a “profile” displaying their real name, photos, personal details, and curated content. They can add other users as “friends,” exchange private messages, and see each other’s profile updates. Users can also host and RSVP to “events,” and join user groups organized by common interest, community, school, hobbies, or other topics.

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